Tanker Kerala suspected to be attacked by pirates

Dynacom Tankers Management, the operator of the Liberian-flagged tanker Kerala, reported that it hasn’t had any contact with its vessel since Friday afternoon. It is suspected that the tanker was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Angola.

According to the security source, the Kerala was last seen approximately seven nautical miles from the Angolan capital Luanda.

It is also known, that the Kerala was loaded with gas oil. Tankers hijacked by Nigerian pirates are often released after the oil or gasoline on board is transferred to smaller vessels. It is occurred that the crew members are kidnapped by pirates for ransom.